I started this Advent calendar a couple of years ago, and am trying to keep it going and updated each year. Advent actually started on Sunday, now three days ago, so technically this is a day late...but it really doesn't matter! Let's just enjoy the days together, regardless of which day it really is, okay? Okay! Here we go!
Advent Day Two
This is rather experimental, and I'm not too sure exactly WHERE this "ADVENTure" will lead...well, let me take that back...I do know where this "ADVENTure" will lead...and my goal is to help you find your way as well. And we will follow our "Leader"...God's Holy Spirit...the True Spirit of Christmas...Who will show us the way.
Some thoughts for today, this 2nd day of Advent:
"Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed." Matthew 8:8
These words were spoken by a Roman Centurion to Jesus...a man who most likely could not be a follower of Christ openly, and yet, he saw something in Jesus that caused him to have great faith...so much faith that Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!..."Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." "And his servant was healed that same hour." Matthew 8:10, 13
My prayer for this Advent season is to have such faith as this centurion. Even in the face of strong opposition and the world's rejection of our Messiah...I pray for the faith to believe that He only needs to speak a word...and my prayers will be answered.
"Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof...but only speak a word..."
Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!
What are your prayers for this ADVENT season? What are your great needs? Perhaps now is the time to think about that, now at the beginning of this holy season of hope and promise. List your expectations and desires for answers to prayers...then approach the Messiah humbly, but with faith. Expect Him to hear you and to heal...heal hurts, fears, sorrows, disease. What a marvelous gift that would be for this Christmas season!
Today I prayed for some visible sign of God's presence with us...you know, "Emmanuel...God with us?" (see Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23), and I saw it in the clouds on my way home this afternoon...the shaft of sunlight was so bright I could barely look at it in my rear-view mirror. The light made me think of Christ's return for us someday...hopefully soon. It was a holy moment there in my car as I praised Him for that great hope. Sadly, I didn't have my camera with me at the time, and by the time I got home it was starting to dissipate, but here is what I was able to capture:
Still pretty awesome.
And then, as I drove into the yard, this is what I saw waiting for me:
 |
| (Signs are created by my son, Ben's Country Woodshop) |
My son builds/creates these signs...and he had just completed these today...so this is our first Christmas decoration for our yard! A very fitting beginning to our ADVENTure, don't you think?
 |
This is how this sign looked on 12/1/2015! |
Lord, again, I pray for Your healing power in my life today...and in the lives of my friends who are here with me, praying along. I pray that we will have the faith to believe You, no matter what the future holds. Thank you for Your healing power today, In Jesus Name, Emmanuel, God with us!
Amen.
Like everyone, my greatest need is Jesus. Moreover, I need to ignore what Christmas has become, even in Christian circles--focus on family, no one else is welcome--and focus on what it is really about...Jesus.
ReplyDeleteAnother prayer that I pray is that I will be so solid in my faith, so convinced that I'd be willing to die for Jesus, many already have and many others currently are facing just this type of decision.
Blessings!
Amen! Christmas IS Jesus! If we don't focus on His presence in our lives...and only think about the "presents" we hope to receive or that we have to provide...we will miss the true JOY of Christmas. And yes, as we see so many around the world who are having to die for their faith...may we each examine our own hearts and determine what our choice would be. I KNOW I choose Jesus and eternity in heaven. This world is not our final home.
DeleteI love how you call it ADVENTure! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePam: You realize I didn't see these last year. I love the trees your son has made and the messages are wonderful. Been ill since Thanksgiving, on med for my infection until next Monday. Cancelling or rescheduling all outside activities for the upcoming weekend.
ReplyDelete